Better Watch Out: Krampus Is Back To Spread Holiday Fear

In some European countries, naughty kids face something a whole lot worse than a lump of coal in their stocking at Christmas.

Krampus is a counterpart to Santa Claus, and he’s the opposite of jolly and merry. According to tradition, the half-demon, half-goat creature punishes bad children by beating them with a bundle of birch sticks. Then, he hauls them off in a basket on his back.

Some communities celebrate with parades featuring costumed Krampuses dancing, marching and mockingly threatening the spectators. One such event was held in Munich over the weekend:

“Krampusnacht,” or Krampus night, is often held on Dec. 5, the night before the Dec. 6 feast day for St. Nicholas. But many communities schedule Krampus events at other times. Munich plans to hold another Krampus run on Dec. 23.

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 09: Actors dressed as the Krampus creature parade through the city center's pedestrian shopping district on December 9, 2018 in Munich, Germany. Krampus traditionally accompanies Saint Nicholas and angels in a house to house procession to reward children who have been good and warn those who have not, though in recent decades Krampus parades have become an intrinsic part of local folklore and take place throughout the end of November and into the first half of December in the alpine regions of Germany, Austria and Italy. Krampus usually wears large cowbells on his back that he rings by shaking his hips to ward off the evil spirits of winter. He also carries a switch made of branches or animal hair that he uses to whip bystanders. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)